'Batman' TV series basis for new comic book, other products

Michael Keaton in 1989's "Batman." Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

'Holy dreams come true, Batman!" are the words actor Burt Ward might say as Robin the Boy Wonder when it was announced that DC Comics settled its decades-long negotiations with the creators of the 1966-68 "Batman" TV series. As a result, they are actively releasing new products, including "Batman '66," a comic book set in the "Batman" TV show universe, copublished with Dynamite Entertainment.

Writers Kevin Smith ("Clerks") and Ralph Garman ("Family Guy") have jumped on board for a monthly six-issue run based on the legendary two-part episode from season two where Batman (Adam West) and Robin meet the Green Hornet (Van Williams) and Kato (Bruce Lee).

"It was the original crossover," Smith said on his podcast, Hollywood Babble-On. "This is kind of like a follow-up to those episodes."

The series, launched earlier this month, features inside art by Ty Templeton and cover art by Alex Ross with Smith and Garman providing the story line where the masked avengers team up to combat General Gumm.

"It's a batfan extravaganza," says Smith. "It feels like a sequel that they never did."